Food Security and Everyday Stability

Food Access Is Community Care

Reliable access to food is a health issue, an economic issue, and a matter of dignity. Families should not have to choose between groceries, medication, transportation, housing costs, hygiene products, and other essential expenses.

Save Our Families helps Cleveland residents access fresh produce, baked goods, pantry items, grocery assistance, and connections to additional food resources through Nita’s Food Access Network.

Our food-access work responds to immediate needs while helping households build greater stability. A bag of groceries cannot resolve every challenge a family faces, but it can reduce pressure on a household budget, support better health, and create space for a conversation about another unmet need.

Nita’s Food Access Network food distribution featuring fresh produce, baked goods, and prepared foods, with the message “Food Security Is Community Care.”

Nita’s Food Access Network

Nourishment, Connection, and Practical Support

Nita’s Food Access Network is Save Our Families’ community-based food-support initiative. The program brings together direct distribution, trusted partnerships, emergency grocery assistance, and resource navigation to help individuals and families maintain more consistent access to food.

Depending on current donations, funding, season, and partner availability, participants may receive:

  • Fresh produce
  • Fresh bakery items
  • Pantry staples
  • Ready-to-eat items
  • Emergency food assistance
  • Seasonal food distributions
  • Referrals to food pantries and meal programs
  • Connections to SNAP, WIC, senior nutrition, and other benefit programs

Food selection and quantities vary.

Low-Barrier Access

People should not have to complete a complicated process to ask for food.

Save Our Families works to keep food-support services accessible, respectful, and responsive. Participants are not required to prove that they are experiencing the most severe hardship before their needs are taken seriously.

Our approach includes:

  • Clear information about availability
  • Respectful and private communication
  • Simple intake procedures
  • Person-first language
  • Assistance without shame
  • Reasonable accommodations when available
  • Referrals when SOF cannot meet the full need
  • Opportunities to access other services voluntarily

Yes. Food distributed directly through Save Our Families is provided at no cost.

Availability changes based on donations, funding, season, and partner deliveries. Items may include fresh produce, bakery products, pantry staples, ready-to-eat food, grocery assistance, and seasonal resources.

We distribute food Monday through Thursday based on availability.

No, we accept walk-ins; however, we require registration. No ID required.

Choice depends on available inventory. When possible, participants may identify items they can use and decline items they cannot safely eat or prepare.

No. Food distribution depends on current inventory and continues while supplies last. Save Our Families may provide referrals when direct food is unavailable.

No, we are unable to deliver food.

Yes, but businesses should contact Save Our Families before making a delivery so staff can confirm safety, storage capacity, timing, and current need.

Yes. Participants may ask about hygiene products, clothing, naloxone, testing, wound-care supplies, referrals, and other available services. Participation in additional services is voluntary.

Where can I get free food assistance in Cleveland?

Save Our Families provides free food assistance through Nita’s Food Access Network at 4394 Pearl Road in Cleveland, Ohio. Available support may include fresh produce, bakery items, pantry food, and referrals to other food resources. Availability changes based on donations and current inventory, so participants should call 216-282-4292 before visiting.